Question:

Okay, let open Pandora’s box….. There was a recent article that suggested 23’s for racing ironman. Any feedback on this? Oh, this would be as it applies to a 700c clincher. -Andrew — Qwest Advanced Technologies 4001 Discovery Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 (303)541-6212 voice, -8264 fax

Response:

Yep, thats what I used. I am not a cyclist in the sense of the individual sport so I went with what I had on the bike when I bought it second hand, I have never really seen an argument for or against changing it. Rosey Team Volcano

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, let open Pandora’s box….. There was a recent article that suggested 23’s for racing ironman. Any feedback on this? Oh, this would be as it applies to a 700c clincher. -Andrew — Qwest Advanced Technologies 4001 Discovery Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 (303)541-6212 voice, -8264 fax

Response:

There was a recent article that suggested 23’s for racing ironman. Any feedback on this?

I will also suggest the 23’s because they are much more comfortable than the 20’s. You should only ride the 20’s if you are a very light rider ( <65 kg) — Jesper Therkildsen Triathlon training tips for IM http://jespert.homepage.dk/triathlon

Response:

To right pal, having just finished the longest day Ironman[in the u.k.] I would agree that comfort over rolling resistance is the thing that matters most in an race of this distance. The overall state of your limbs having been on the road for 5 hours plus is the thing that really matters. That extra comfort pays off well on the marathon especially in the latter part. We are talking endurance hear and in the long term a Triathletes body has enough stress without added discomfort of a hard ride. TRI for life ……. Paul of the Black Country[uk].

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There was a recent article that suggested 23’s for racing ironman. Any feedback on this? I will also suggest the 23’s because they are much more comfortable than the 20’s. You should only ride the 20’s if you are a very light rider ( <65 kg) — Jesper Therkildsen Triathlon training tips for IM http://jespert.homepage.dk/triathlon

Response:

Question:

It’s only embarrasing that they didn’t do it sooner, and they didn’t provide the proper support to customs and police to enforce the laws, just like if they were running a real country. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And then realize that the Right Honourable Allen ROCK, Health Minister, has recently sued tobacco companies for 1 billion dollars(I don’t think it matters if its Canadian or US dollars when its that big) for conspiring to smuggle cheap smokes into Canada in the early 90’s.  Its embarassing!!! Only if you haven’t been following the federal follies. Just remember that amateur sports in Canada is dominated by bureaucrats who hate athletes, and all becomes clear… UNBELIEVABLE! The Canadian federal government, whose limited support for amateur sport has led to athletes leaving the country because they are tired of paying their own way to represent Canada, has decided to give $12 million a year to the NHL. The minister responsible for amateur sport ,D

Question:

The shamals have too much weight in the periphery though, which has a negative effect on acceleration. Good for the flats, but not for climbing. Too much inertia.

For climbing though, it doesn’t matter if the weight is in the hub or the rim. Only in acceleration (in the sense of an inccrease in the rotational speed of the wheel) does it matter. Sincerely, G

Question:

You’d be in the minority on this one. I checked roughly 200 aerobars for tightness while working the safety check for the Blackwater. About a dozen were loose. Every single loose aerobar, without exception, was a Profile. That’s a decent sample, don’t you think? Yes, but only of the owner’s ability to tighten a steel allen bolt into an aluminium clamp.

Something that hasn’t been mentioned in this thread yet – it’s VERY important to properly lubricate the mounting hardware when installing aerobars (or just about anything else) on a bicycle.  Failing to do so will mean that a significant amount of the torque you put on the bolt will be used to overcome metal to metal friction, not tighten the hardware.  So grease first, tighten well, ride hard. Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles http://www.cynetfl.com/habanero/ Home of the $695 ti frame

Response:

On a related note, you can lubricate bolts with Teflon tape (available at most hardware stores).  It allows one to screw in bolts pretty easily and keeps them from coming loose.  Also, you can use threadlock to keep screws from coming loose. Kendall – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Something that hasn’t been mentioned in this thread yet – it’s VERY important to properly lubricate the mounting hardware when installing aerobars (or just about anything else) on a bicycle.  Failing to do so will mean that a significant amount of the torque you put on the bolt will be used to overcome metal to metal friction, not tighten the hardware.  So grease first, tighten well, ride hard. Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles http://www.cynetfl.com/habanero/ Home of the $695 ti frame

Response:

I have always cleaned the mounting surface with cleaner, then used a bit of light sand paper to rough up the contact area of the bar.  Sand parallel with the length of the tubing.  There has never been a stress crack develop from this in the amount of time I have kept the same bar.  I have heard that you should change bars every two or three years, anyway. Swimslug

Response:

Easy, tridog.  While I agree that Profile makes comfortable, effective products, a recurring problem is keeping them tight.  That problem crept up on my Airwaves (earlier attempt at cowhorn/aerobar one piece) and my Off-the-back bottle holder.

I have not found that.  But then again, I also regard it prudent to check the tightness of every nut and bolt on my bike periodically.  Maybe some are not so thorough.  I however have found that doing so prevents my bike from becoming a rattletrap. To solve the slip problem on the bars, try using a section of old tube under the aerobar clamps.  It requires stripping the bar down, but it stops the squeaks, creaks, and sliding, allows for maximum tightening, doesn’t scratch the bars, and doesn’t ruin the asthetics since the tube section is covered by the clamps.  Hey look at that!  One more argument for clinchers… unlimitted supply of contact point dampners.

It has been mentioned time and time again here, that placement of anything (tire tubes, sandpaper, window screen, tape) between the aerobar clamp and the handlebars is dicey at best. The only secure, "bet your life on it", connection is a solid handlebar to aerobar clamp without any foreign materials in it.   To bet my life on window screen, tape and tire tubes is to play a risk I am unwilling to assume. Rob — Rob Blomquist aka TriDog Seattle, WA http://www2.jps.net/~robbo

Response:

I would suggest measuring the outer diameter of the handlebars and the inner diameter of the aerobar’s clamp. While the difference may be small (fraction of a millimeter) it can mean that your bars will not clamp sufficiently and always move. It is important to remedy this as the extreme torque on the mounting bolts can easily strip the clamp’s threads (rendering your bar/clamp useless). I would suggest adding a thin shim to the handlebars. Use a softer material like aluminum or brass (pop cans work well, just be careful and don’t cut yourself) and work in small increments. Start by wrapping the shim once around the bar and then try the clamp. If you still need more, try some more shim, but only 1/2 way around or less. Should this not work, your only solution is to get some X-Wings. (I am just teasing) Please contact me for further assistance. Sincerely yours, Grant Bullington Director Xero Industries www.xeroindustries.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently bought and mounted an areo bar in my bike.  When I went to test it out on the battle field I noticed that the areo bar moves up and down when the bike goes over bumps in the road.  The areo bar is as tight as its going to get onthe bike, so does anyone have any ideas that can prevent the areo bar from moving up and down while connect to the bike? Michael

Response:

In article I would appreciate that this thread not devolve into a Profile bashing contest.  Some of us a truly happy with the bars that they make. And I really don’t understand what you guys are griping about. You’d be in the minority on this one. I checked roughly 200 aerobars for tightness while working the safety check for the Blackwater. About a dozen were loose. Every single loose aerobar, without exception, was a Profile. That’s a decent sample, don’t you think?

Yes, but only of the owner’s ability to tighten a steel allen bolt into an aluminium clamp. I will not claim that they are the best aerobar, only one which is good, but not maintained well by many users. I still have a pair on my bike that have never come loose from the handlebars, and I’m not even an engineer…. Rob — Rob Blomquist aka TriDog Seattle, WA http://www2.jps.net/~robbo

Response:

I would appreciate that this thread not devolve into a Profile bashing contest.  Some of us a truly happy with the bars that they make. And I really don’t understand what you guys are griping about.

You’d be in the minority on this one. I checked roughly 200 aerobars for tightness while working the safety check for the Blackwater. About a dozen were loose. Every single loose aerobar, without exception, was a Profile. That’s a decent sample, don’t you think? Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

Easy, tridog.  While I agree that Profile makes comfortable, effective products, a recurring problem is keeping them tight.  That problem crept up on my Airwaves (earlier attempt at cowhorn/aerobar one piece) and my Off-the-back bottle holder. I have not found that.  But then again, I also regard it prudent to check the tightness of every nut and bolt on my bike periodically.  Maybe some are not so thorough.  I however have found that doing so prevents my bike from becoming a rattletrap.

Funny, but I’ve never checked the tightness of my Syntace bars, and the only rattle I get is the change in my jersey pocket. Your maintenance program solves the problem, but is unnecessary with other products. It has been mentioned time and time again here, that placement of anything (tire tubes, sandpaper, window screen, tape) between the aerobar clamp and the handlebars is dicey at best. The only secure, "bet your life on it", connection is a solid handlebar to aerobar clamp without any foreign materials in it.   To bet my life on window screen, tape and tire tubes is to play a risk I am unwilling to assume.

With this I agree completely. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

Me: You’d be in the minority on this one. I checked roughly 200 aerobars for tightness while working the safety check for the Blackwater. About a dozen were loose. Every single loose aerobar, without exception, was a Profile. That’s a decent sample, don’t you think?

Tridog: Yes, but only of the owner’s ability to tighten a steel allen bolt into an aluminium clamp.

A 4mm bottle cage bolt will seem awfully tight, and too tight to many, before the aerobars will really be tight. Most people tolerate the tightness because they are balanced on the bars. In the crisis situation, however, such as a big bump or an evasive action, the bars move. That’s dangerous. _I_ was scared by how tight I had to make the bolts, and one guy broke a bolt when he was assembling his bike out of the travel box (we replaced it for him). I will not claim that they are the best aerobar, only one which is good, but not maintained well by many users.

I prefer bars that don’t require such constant maintenance. To each his own. I still have a pair on my bike that have never come loose from the handlebars, and I’m not even an engineer….

What does that have to do with it? Do you resent engineers? Do you resent the fact that I’m disagreeing with you? Is what I say right or wrong because I’m an engineer? Actually, I never even attempted an engineering analysis. I only reported what I saw, and my eyes would have seen the same thing even if they weren’t connected to an engineer’s brain. Tridog, the following is not directed at you (at least I hope not). Rant mode ON: Folks, there’s all kinds of engineers out there. Some of us have studied structural analysis and materials properties (and, lest we forget, physics) enough to draw conclusions about bikes and bike parts based on what we see. There are anti-technical types out there who dislike anyone with technical knowledge, and use that against them in an argument. Happens all the time on rec.bikes.tech. Not all engineers have done the analysis or thought through their arguments before posting their conclusions, but it is up to the reader to exercise caution before arguing with those conclusions. Because engineers have a passion for precision, and they are often right about things even when they seem wrong to a layman. Just because you choose not to live by the sword does not mean you can’t die by it. Ignorance of matters technical, combined with a lack of regard for those who are not ignorant, is not a sin, but those who practice it do so at their own risk. Rant mode OFF. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

In article You’d be in the minority on this one. I checked roughly 200 aerobars for tightness while working the safety check for the Blackwater. About a dozen were loose. Every single loose aerobar, without exception, was a Profile. That’s a decent sample, don’t you think?

You’re right. I’ll just take my Profiles off the bike(before they fall off), and go buy some Syntaces. What the hell, right? Seriously, I really like my Profile Airstryke ZBs. I haven’t had any problems with them. Completely satisfied. — -Mike

Response:

In article proxy.airnews.net, The Engineer says (choo choo!)… I prefer bars that don’t require such constant maintenance. To each his own.

But you know, I don’t mind sticking an allen key into the bolt every month or so and checking the tightness.  Its easier than maintaining my chain…. Oh, and BTW, Profile makes a bar for you…it’s called the Project X. I believe that Syntace has yet to come out with a bar like that…. What does that have to do with it? Do you resent engineers? Do you resent the fact that I’m disagreeing with you? Is what I say right or wrong because I’m an engineer? Actually, I never even attempted an engineering analysis. I only reported what I saw, and my eyes would have seen the same thing even if they weren’t connected to an engineer’s brain.

Not in the least, although as a geologist, I have been sneered at all of my working life.  But getting an engineer to really understand stream dynamics…well, its not numerical enough…. But the ESA is not necessarily numerical…. Tridog, the following is not directed at you (at least I hope not).

A lovely rant. But my comment about tightening an aluminum clamp with a steel bolt is meant to be a comment on one of the tricker things in mechanics. Don’t tighten it enough, and it slips, too little and it strips.  The sort of thing an engineer would think about, and few else, besides those of us who have stripped out the bolts for a valve cover on a car with an aluminum head. (Not me, nope, not me) Nothing more, nothing less. I rather like you guys, as long as you only design good stuff…. rob — Rob Blomquist aka TriDog Seattle, WA http://www2.jps.net/~robbo

Response:

I recently bought and mounted an areo bar in my bike.  When I went to test it out on the battle field I noticed that the areo bar moves up and down when the bike goes over bumps in the road.  The areo bar is as tight as its going to get onthe bike, so does anyone have any ideas that can prevent the areo bar from moving up and down while connect to the bike? Michael

Response:

I recently bought and mounted an areo bar in my bike.  When I went to test it out on the battle field I noticed that the areo bar moves up and down when the bike goes over bumps in the road.  The areo bar is as tight as its going to get onthe bike, so does anyone have any ideas that can prevent the areo bar from moving up and down while connect to the bike? Michael

Does the aerobar have the letters p.r.o.f.i.l.e on both sides?  Many rst/ers have noticed a marked improvement by changing the spelling to s.y.n.t.a.c.e. I have put humungous bolts on my Profiles, so I can no longer do bicep curls with them.  A good word for Profile: their customer service has been very responsive. Ruth Kazez exk7atpsu.edu

Response:

I recently bought and mounted an areo bar in my bike.  When I went to test it out on the battle field I noticed that the areo bar moves up and down when the bike goes over bumps in the road.  The areo bar is as tight as its going to get onthe bike, so does anyone have any ideas that can prevent the areo bar from moving up and down while connect to the bike? Michael

Michael: I shared your frustration until this season. Profile now has a new setup called PROJECT X. The stem, aerobar, and cowhorn bar are welded together. (Actually weighs in a few grams lighter than a separate bar system) During the past ten years I have upgraded every time a new aero bar system was developed trying to find the perfect setup. The PROJECT X is it!! Cheers- Keith Simmons Ironman Triathlon Wetsuits http://ironmanwetsuits.com

Response:

I recently bought and mounted an areo bar in my bike.  When I went to test it out on the battle field I noticed that the areo bar moves up and down when the bike goes over bumps in the road.  The areo bar is as tight as its going to get onthe bike, so does anyone have any ideas that can prevent the areo bar from moving up and down while connect to the bike? Michael

Put some wire screening between the handlebar and the aero-bars attachments, should stop the aer-bar from slipping — did on my previous setup. — From the Desk of James Nonnemacher Eastman Kodak Research Labs Phone: (716) 477-5259

Response:

In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put some wire screening between the handlebar and the aero-bars attachments, should stop the aer-bar from slipping — did on my previous setup. While I’m sure this worked for Mr. Nonnemacher, I would not recommend it. The wire screening will dent the aluminum bars, which will provide convenient stress risers for fatigue cracks to get started. Even using a knife blade to scrape off old bar tape can cause problems. If the bars are profiles, the defect is congenital. Syntace and Scott aerobars do not slip when properly tightened. But I can tighten Profiles so they don’t slip easily (and did so on the dozen or so loose Profile I found while checking bikes at a recent race.) You have to tighten them more than is strictly seemly–tight enough to risk breaking the bolt and stripping the threads. There’s only a fine line between tight enough and too tight.

I would appreciate that this thread not devolve into a Profile bashing contest.  Some of us a truly happy with the bars that they make. And I really don’t understand what you guys are griping about. My Profile AirStrykes don’t slip, bend, jiggle, twitch or bark.   And until there is something that will make me more aero or more comfortable, I will stick with what works. Rob — Rob Blomquist aka TriDog Seattle, WA http://www2.jps.net/~robbo

Response:

Put some wire screening between the handlebar and the aero-bars attachments, should stop the aer-bar from slipping — did on my previous setup.

While I’m sure this worked for Mr. Nonnemacher, I would not recommend it. The wire screening will dent the aluminum bars, which will provide convenient stress risers for fatigue cracks to get started. Even using a knife blade to scrape off old bar tape can cause problems. If the bars are profiles, the defect is congenital. Syntace and Scott aerobars do not slip when properly tightened. But I can tighten Profiles so they don’t slip easily (and did so on the dozen or so loose Profile I found while checking bikes at a recent race.) You have to tighten them more than is strictly seemly–tight enough to risk breaking the bolt and stripping the threads. There’s only a fine line between tight enough and too tight. But dont use anything that will scratch the aluminum. Rick Denney Take what you want and leave the rest.

Response:

Easy, tridog.  While I agree that Profile makes comfortable, effective products, a recurring problem is keeping them tight.  That problem crept up on my Airwaves (earlier attempt at cowhorn/aerobar one piece) and my Off-the-back bottle holder. To solve the slip problem on the bars, try using a section of old tube under the aerobar clamps.  It requires stripping the bar down, but it stops the squeaks, creaks, and sliding, allows for maximum tightening, doesn’t scratch the bars, and doesn’t ruin the asthetics since the tube section is covered by the clamps.  Hey look at that!  One more argument for clinchers… unlimitted supply of contact point dampners. -The Travelling Tri-Guy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would appreciate that this thread not devolve into a Profile bashing contest.  Some of us a truly happy with the bars that they make. And I really don’t understand what you guys are griping about. My Profile AirStrykes don’t slip, bend, jiggle, twitch or bark. And until there is something that will make me more aero or more comfortable, I will stick with what works. Rob — Rob Blomquist aka TriDog Seattle, WA http://www2.jps.net/~robbo

Response:

Question:

Hello all TriPeople, Does anybody know about a funny text about 100 ways to know if you’re a triathlete ? I’ve lost my copy and I would apreciate that somebody sent me another. Thanks in advance,

Response:

Hello all TriPeople, Does anybody know about a funny text about 100 ways to know if you’re a triathlete ? I’ve lost my copy and I would apreciate that somebody sent me another.

I believe you’re referring to the list collected on TriDRS a couple of years back, and you can find it at    http://www.cris.com/~thompete/tri-drs/top100reasons.html Tri-Baby                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "REAL Triathletes don’t draft." *** Ironman Canada 1997 – 13:04:09 *** http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie        

Response:

Hello all TriPeople, Does anybody know about a funny text about 100 ways to know if you’re a triathlete ? I’ve lost my copy and I would apreciate that somebody sent me another. Thanks in advance,

Wasn’t this a column by Scott Tinley in Triathlete a year or so ago? I don’t have a copy of the mag, but I am pretty sure he had some sort of a list. Maybe somebody else has a copy? Sincerely, Gerard Vroomen, Cervelo Cycles website: http://www.cervelo.com

Response:

Does anybody know about a funny text about 100 ways to know if you’re a triathlete ? I’ve lost my copy and I would apreciate that somebody sent me another

Try www.cris.com.~thompete/tri-drs/top100reasons.html. Bob Williams

Response:

Question:

http://www.competitor.com/ironman/ Competitor Magazine’s editor and publisher Bob Babbitt first journeyed over to the Big Island to participate in the Ironman Triathlon back in 1980. Almost 17 years later the event is still the most important on the Competitor calendar. When Competitor opened it’s doors in 1987, the  Ironman became a big part of the editorial and photographic focus. Competitor Magazine is proud to present ten years of our Ironman coverage, 1987-1996. Read about the great races between Mark Allen and Dave Scott plus Paula Newby-Fraser and Erin Baker. The breakthrough races from Greg Welch, Jurgan Zack, Pauli Kiuru and Natascha Badmann. And every article is supported by GREAT photography from Lois Schwartz and Rich Cruse. http://www.competitor.com/ironman/

Response:

http://www.competitor.com/ironman/ Competitor Magazine’s editor and publisher Bob Babbitt first journeyed over to the Big Island to participate in the Ironman Triathlon back in 1980. Almost 17 years later the event is still the most important on the Competitor calendar. When Competitor opened it’s doors in 1987, the  Ironman became a big part of the editorial and photographic focus. Competitor Magazine is proud to present ten years of our Ironman coverage, 1987-1996. Read about the great races between Mark Allen and Dave Scott plus Paula Newby-Fraser and Erin Baker. The breakthrough races from Greg Welch, Jurgan Zack, Pauli Kiuru and Natascha Badmann. And every article is supported by GREAT photography from Lois Schwartz and Rich Cruse. http://www.competitor.com/ironman/

Response:

This is great stuff…I can’t wait to get home and sift through it. Thanks for the compilation. Augie Calabrese – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.competitor.com/ironman/ Competitor Magazine’s editor and publisher Bob Babbitt first journeyed over to the Big Island to participate in the Ironman Triathlon back in 1980. Almost 17 years later the event is still the most important on the Competitor calendar. When Competitor opened it’s doors in 1987, the  Ironman became a big part of the editorial and photographic focus. Competitor Magazine is proud to present ten years of our Ironman coverage, 1987-1996. Read about the great races between Mark Allen and Dave Scott plus Paula Newby-Fraser and Erin Baker. The breakthrough races from Greg Welch, Jurgan Zack, Pauli Kiuru and Natascha Badmann. And every article is supported by GREAT photography from Lois Schwartz and Rich Cruse. http://www.competitor.com/ironman/

Response:

Question:

Hi all Has any one heard of running the marathon on as little as 3 miles a day. Someone gave me a training schedule that includes running, AT THE MOST, 21 miles a week, not including the long run.  However, you work up to 26 miles for your long run, which is three weeks prior to Marathon. This program is supposed to help cut down on injuries and prevent you from hitting the "WALL". I like it, on paper at least, because it allows me to fit in Cycling and swimming for my triathlon training, just wondering what you all thought. SCOTT R. — To EMAIL me, please Remove the *** at the end of my address.

Response:

<HTML As I have noted before, I ran a 3:50 marathon on about 2 miles a day, including my long run..&nbsp; (This was my first marathon, and I am a 47 year-old male.)&nbsp; Everyone seems to agree that the key to finishing the marathon is getting in long runs, and I made it up to 20 miles before my marathon.&nbsp; This means that I essentially did all quality runs, and I ran about 1.5 times per week.&nbsp; I also cross-trained, doing about 1.5 hours swimming every other week. <PSo, I think that the program will do exactly as it says.&nbsp; Your crosstraining should help too. <PBob Frick. <BR&nbsp;

<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITEHi all <PHas any one heard of running the marathon on as little as 3 miles a day. <BRSomeone gave me a training schedule that includes running, AT THE MOST, <BR21 miles a week, not including the long run.&nbsp; However, you work up to 26 <BRmiles for your long run, which is three weeks prior to Marathon. <PThis program is supposed to help cut down on injuries and prevent you <BRfrom hitting the "WALL". <PI like it, on paper at least, because it allows me to fit in Cycling and <BRswimming for my triathlon training, just wondering what you all thought. <PSCOTT R. <BR– <BRTo EMAIL me, please Remove the *** at the end of my address.</BLOCKQUOTE &nbsp;&nbsp;</HTML

Response:

Question:

<snip – in praise of TB & her tri efforts For all the things I haven’t said, I hope this sums it up: Wow! Tricia, have fun! LFY

Uh-huh. Well, said, Skipford!  For that matter, I wish all you IMC nuts the best of the best…the mother of all races. I’ll be monitoring this race no less closely than I did IMH in October. So post when you can!      As for me, it’ll be Lake Bijwa & Ironman Japan for my first Ironman ever in June of 1998. Chaz

Response:

Skippy– Thanks for eloquently expressing the true spirit of triathlon.  You have really summed up for me how I have felt about all the people who have traveled in and out of my life who have been at races to support me, or have made other sacrifices so that I could train. Your dedication to your friend and to our sport leaves me speechless. Good luck to those of you doing IMC….I will be with you in spirit, and look forward to joining you next year!! Greg

Response:

I hope Tricia doesn’t get to read this – IMC will be hard enough without having to lug an inflated ego around the course. It was great meeting you at Vineman, enjoy yourself Skippy – have a great IMC. People like you keep us triathletes feet on the ground, it’s all too easy to get totally caught up in the whole thing, I mean, some people could even be accused of becoming obsessed (but not me, oh no, I didn’t get back to work 15 minutes late this lunch ‘cos I had a ‘quick’ look around the local bike shop, oh no). Can I suggest you have some kind of sobering thought to hand to bring Tricia down out of the euphoria when she’s crossed the finish line. Something like, just think of all the work you can catch up with now… Joel

Response:

Thanks for the posting Skippy, I got nothing to add. Enjoy the Penticton experience….

Response:

–Skippy’s moving story of travels with Tricia excised; look for "Skippy’s Road to Penticton" in DejaNews– Skippy: Thanks for letting me ride along. It’s a privilege! David PS And to all the rst IMC crew, may the journey be a great one. David Schoonmaker

Response:

My name is Skippy, and…I’m a crew-aholic. For the past year I’ve been on the Road to Penticton. <snip What is this "Road to Penticton"? Is it long or short? Straight or narrow? Lonely or crowded? Does it get you where you’re going with things to look at along the way, or does it just rush you through to your destination as quickly as possible? If you ask Tribaby you’ll get an answer to those questions. It will be a very insightful, inspiring, illuminating, voyeuristic and charming answer. <snip Tricia, have fun! LFY

That sure is a thoughtful, caring tribute to a friend and her aspirations.  It made me sit back and dwell for a while upon those things in life:  the destination, the road travelled, the accomplishments….   It is good to stay on the right track. So, TriBaby, Skippy says you have also pondered these questions. Maybe you can expound upon how they have impacted your life. And, to all going to IMC, have a memorable time. — John De Vries

Response:

—enchanting post dishonorably snipped, please read for enlightenment — Wait unti the finish line dude, you’ll be speechless. And if anybody did the race last year, all I have to say is  remember the finish line at midnight! That was one to remember.  :-) "Iron" Pete Priolo Sub 10 hour IMC’97 —Countdown: 11 days until D-Day!!!

Response:

Thank you Skippy for so beautifully and eloquently stating what I can never begin to express to the person I call "athletic supporter" in my life. Thank you to every person out there who has ever provided the love and support their triathlete had ever needed. Good luck Tri-Baby and all RST’rs at IMC. Skippy, it’s graduation day for you too, I’m so glad I got to meet you at Vineman, enjoy your day in Penticton as well!!! Kathy Matejka Ironwoman Trinlif, it’s a reality! For, as Zen-Master Rob says, "the willow is stronger than the mightiest oak, it bends in the strongest winds while the oak breaks in two." Ben & Jerry’s for all…!

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My name is Skippy, and…I’m a crew-aholic. For the past year I’ve been on the Road to Penticton. The athlete, while having to haul their body around all by themselves, has a farther reaching spirit that gets carried by many other people. I’m one of the people who has been helping to carry Tricia Richter’s (aka Tribaby) spirit. Maybe your helper is called your "wife", your "boyfriend", your "training partner", your "athletic supporter". For IMC they actually call them "IronMates"! I don’t know, sounds like a new kind of underwear to me…kind of like "UnderRoos" or something. But I don’t care what I’m called. I just care about what I do. And what I try to do is support my friend in what is probably one of THE most important events in her (and now my) life. You see, I’m Tricia’s "crew". Sometimes we’ve been on the road together; sometimes we have each found our own way to the ultimate destination: crossing the IMC line on August 24. Oh yes, it’s been a long, arduous, exciting road for me as well, and I will be crossing that line even as I sit in the bleachers. Tricia’s been training for this race, in one way or another, for at least 4 years. So have I. With very few exceptions, I have been to every triathlon she has participated in. I have gotten up at more UNGODLY hours than I care to remember (in fact, some of them I DON’T remember). I have been awakened by the moist, slapping, smacking sounds of sunscreen being applied in the dark of night ("Is that REALLY necessary?!?"). I have hugged her sweating body while wearing clothes that I like and want to wear again. More importantly, I have watched her cross close to 30 finish lines. Every time I do these things a burning question repeats itself over and over in my brain….WHY?? Why? Because as I have traveled with Tricia on this road I have been privileged to watch her grow and mature. I have seen myself challenged and tested, and I have evolved. Some would say I have made it to Neanderthal, I think I’ve gone beyond that to gain a greater appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices triathletes (indeed, ALL athletes) exhibit and make. Some of that has actually worn off on me. Last year, due primarily to the inspiration and support I got from Tricia, I actually participated in 2 triathlons of my own. But enough about me…. What is this "Road to Penticton"? Is it long or short? Straight or narrow? Lonely or crowded? Does it get you where you’re going with things to look at along the way, or does it just rush you through to your destination as quickly as possible? If you ask Tribaby you’ll get an answer to those questions. It will be a very insightful, inspiring, illuminating, voyeuristic and charming answer. Tricia manages to put so much of herself into everything she does that her race postings are almost painfully revealing; much like a little kid unaware of its nakedness. I guess that’s what makes her TriBABY. But that moniker isn’t really accurate anymore; over the past year I’ve watched our little "baby" grow up. Being Tribaby’s crew has been a long road, full of ups and downs, disappointments and wonderful victories. I have seen her go from being a rather "solo" participant to one who tries to give as much to the sport as she gets out of it. She has even added to the vernacular with such popular terms as "Kelp Crawl" and "Bopper" and "Mopper". I have shared her joy when she has bettered a previous time. Last November I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes every time I heard the words "Ironman", "Canada", "Penticton", or "THEY made me sign up". Now, I’m so excited I even bring up the subject. Go figure! I have had to offer a LOT of encouraging words when a nasty little bug hits and she can’t go out and train (did I mention patience?!?). I have experienced her excitement when reliving a race and hearing about each and every thought and emotion she has gone through. I have stifled my share of yawns when she spots a familiar T-shirt on someone and they end up talking about using their 39×21 to master a climb. Excuse me? I have choked back tears when I have heard her name called out as the first place finisher in her division. There have been countless social events that she has had to pass up due to a rigorous training schedule, and I have missed her. The race is almost upon us. While her nervousness increases, my pride is building. I see standing before me an incredible woman who has achieved what very few people in this world will EVER achieve…the maturity to face her fears, explore her desires, and reach beyond "Are you crazy?!" to find herself.   For all the things I haven’t said, I hope this sums it up: Wow! Tricia, have fun! LFY — Skippy http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/3757

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Question:

i always wear my polar pacer i races and that includes the swim.  i have never had a problem with it. good luck! ed

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Do you all sometimes lose a signal because the transmitter is not tight enough or its not in the right spot? How about the transmitter sliding down?

I’ve noticed two misread conditions on my polar HRM: 1. Lost signal: The receiver seems to totally lose signal and eventually the heart rate drops to zero in the display. This seems to happen consistently in the same physical locations, so I’m pretty sure it’s interference from external EM sources, not transmitter contact. I get this a lot more when biking, when the receiver is mounted further away (on my handlebars) then when running, when it’s on my wrist. I’ve never really seemed to have problems with the transmitter making contact with my chest, though that’s what I thought the first couple of times this happened. 2. Overreads: Occasionally, the monitor will start reading way over 200, (227 and 239 seem popular) even though clearly my pulse isn’t that high. It will do this for a minute or two and then settle back down to a reasonable rate. This seems to usually happen during warmup and on cold days (though I admit this is impression because I haven’t kept track that carefully) and I’m a lot less sure that this is interference, though I’m not sure what it is… -Ekr

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I’ve had similar problems.  My watch is now dead.  I understand that Polar will replace the belt.  Does anyone know how this works? Regards, Joe Garland — Regards, Joe Garland

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: Do you all sometimes lose a signal because the transmitter is not tight : enough or its not in the right spot? How about the transmitter sliding : down? Usually it’s because the contacts on the transmitter aren’t damp enough – also some equipment (There’s some mysterious signal on the 10th street hill in Calgary Alberta which makes mine conk out momentarily) can interfere with your HRM.  I’ve had mine slide down, but usually if I’m careful about putting it on it isn’t a problem.   –Ted. — On the web as <A HREF="http://www.beer.org/~tpark/" Ted’s Home Page </A

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OH YES!  I had the transmitter SOAKED (it was a hard workout) but it still lost signals.  Problem, I was on my triathlon bike in the hunched over aero position.  Strap was tightened as far as it would go, but I was still losing signal. Anyone use the heart monitor for swimming?  I’m almost positive the chest monitor is waterproof, I don’t know about the receiver. Paul "Try-athelete"

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Do you all sometimes lose a signal because the transmitter is not tight enough or its not in the right spot? How about the transmitter sliding down?

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: Do you all sometimes lose a signal because the transmitter is not tight : enough or its not in the right spot? How about the transmitter sliding : down? "Transmitter bounce" is a common cause of bum readings. Sometimes all it takes is fresh elastic (see your fabric store or someone who deals in HRMs) to solve the problem. For real slender folks who have continued problems there’s always tape, disposable paste-on electrode snaps (for detachable transmitters — the one-piece units won’t work for this) or, for women, building slots into their own sports bra/buying a Polar HeartBra. Wearing the transmitter outside your shirt also is a possible solution. (Don’t laugh! It looks dorky, but once you’ve got moisture going through it works fine. I do it cross-country skiing all the time.)   /      http://www.teleport.com/~pmotion …. Running, HRMs and More

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Your Chest strap is projected to last 2500 hrs.  This is a cumulative time based upon when the strap is moist (and sending).  The watch batteries are separate and depending on model has a different life usually 1-2 years. You can contact Polar for exact (projected) expected life for your model at: http://www.polar.fi/sampola Hope this will be helpful JF

My experience is that the chest strap doesn’t last this long (mine went AWOL after about only 1000 hours of running). You have to be careful not to leave it wet because apparently it transmits if this is the case. The Australian distributors replaced it FOC so maybe it was faulty. As for the receiver, I have had mine for two and a half years and it is still on the original battery. And, yes, you can hear the transmitter clicking very faintly when it is working. — Mark Peters                   Department of Artificial Intelligence                               School of Computer Science and Engineering fax:     +61-(0)2-9385 1814   Sydney  NSW 2052  Australia mobile:  +61-(0)15 705 854    http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~markpeters

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I’ve got a Polar Heart Monitor, but the battery is dead.  Does anybody know if I can get it replaced here in Alberta? Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking at purchasing one of the Polar Monitor, model undecided yet.  How long can I expect the Monitor to last before it goes bad/dies? Thanks I have heard from the company and users that life expectancy is 2500 hours or so. Sam Callan I hate the "Zone" and I hate the fat burning myth! Just so you know where I stand!

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bej I don’t know exactly how it works, but I swear I can hear the chest gizmo beeping ever-so-faintly (in time w/ my heartbeat) when all is quiet.  I found this unnerving at first, but overall I really like the unit.    -BEJ

The chest unit beeps?  You better contact Polar.  Or the Discovery Chanel. Polar solved their moisture problem by sealing the darn thing.  Replacing the battery costs $40! The $50 Nashbar works as good plus the battery is about $2.  I love it. How the Finns can invent such a clever device yet are too stupid to figure out how to build a simple waterproof battery compartment is beyond me.  Or are they stupid for getting $40 for a $2 battery? Just look who is buying them?  Stan

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I was pleased with the performance of mine until the display went blank just 7 months after purchase.  I sent it to Polar for "warranty" repairs. The "warranty" repairs cost  $7.50 each direction for shipping (total $15.00) then Polar called to tell me that the battery had failed and would cost me $10.00 for replacement (part not covered by warranty).  Total cost for repairing a 7 month old monitor under warranty was $25.00.  Obviously, I’m not to pleased with the warranty coverage.   Polar says the batteries should last 2-3 years, but that the vendor may have the unit on the shelf for an undetermined time before you buy it. TA in St. Louis

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bej I don’t know exactly how it works, but I swear I can hear the chest gizmo beeping ever-so-faintly (in time w/ my heartbeat) when all is quiet.  I found this unnerving at first, but overall I really like the unit.        -BEJ

I like it too. And you are right. The internal construction of the old (first) model of chest unit beeps. That’s the way to power up the transmission by a ‘micro/mini sub relais’. The chest unit beeps?  You better contact Polar.

Sorry, but at the older one you can’t avoid beeping by increasing the electrical contact. Try the new version of chest transmitor and no sound of will be there if you take heard beat at rest.      Rudolf Genieser

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I’m looking at purchasing one of the Polar Monitor, model undecided yet.  How long can I expect the Monitor to last before it goes bad/dies? Thanks

I’ve had one for 2 years. Both the watch and the chest thingy are still working fine.  I use it about 1X/week for 45-60 minutes. I don’t know exactly how it works, but I swear I can hear the chest gizmo beeping ever-so-faintly (in time w/ my heartbeat) when all is quiet.  I found this unnerving at first, but overall I really like the unit.         -BEJ

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Your Chest strap is projected to last 2500 hrs.  This is a cumulative time based upon when the strap is moist (and sending).  The watch batteries are separate and depending on model has a different life usually 1-2 years. You can contact Polar for exact (projected) expected life for your model at: http://www.polar.fi/sampola Hope this will be helpful JF

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I’m looking at purchasing one of the Polar Monitor, model undecided yet.  How long can I expect the Monitor to last before it goes bad/dies? Thanks

I understand the life is approximately 2000 hours of use. Although my last one lasted only 2 years perhaps as a guesstimate ~1200 hours between biking and running. I decided to replace it with a better model but you can always get the batteries replaced for about $75(? I saw this somewhere, I think……) Cheers, Sanjay

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I’m looking at purchasing one of the Polar Monitor, model undecided yet.  How long can I expect the Monitor to last before it goes bad/dies? Thanks

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I’m looking at purchasing one of the Polar Monitor, model undecided yet.  How long can I expect the Monitor to last before it goes bad/dies? Thanks

My manuels says the unit should last about 2.5 years before needing an battery change. My friends all are impressed with Polar and report no problems. I just bought an Accurrex and am well pleased. Be well, Reggie aka Racer , Los Angeles

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Hello, all. I’m not a racer, and barely a runner.  I’m just trying to get a little fit and not die of a heart attack.  My girl bought one of those Polar Heart Monitors.  You wrap a band around your chest, and a little wrist-watch style monitor, shows your pulse rate and beeps until you are in your target heart range.  The few times I’ve used it, it seemed to help me be aware of where I was with regard to my target range, and it motivated me a bit.  I’m wondering if anyone else out there has any experience with these type of gizmos and what you think of them. Also, is there a FAQ somewhere that will help a beginning runner?  I’m an old man (40) and I’m not in THAT bad of shape (although I do smoke a pack a day).  I need all the help I can get.  BTW, I’ve run before about 8 years ago, and got to the point where I could do 10k’s without a problem.  But that seems like a lifetime ago.  Thanks. — "Eat your peas and keep your rifle clean"

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Hello, all.

 My girl bought one of those Polar Heart Monitors.  You wrap a band around your chest, and a little wrist-watch style monitor, shows your pulse rate and beeps until you are in your target heart range.  The few times I’ve used it, it seemed to help me be aware of where I was with regard to my target range, and it motivated me a bit.  I’m wondering if anyone else out there has any experience with these type of gizmos and what you think of them. Also, is there a FAQ somewhere that will help a beginning runner?

For an article on heart rate training in general, and using a monitor, see our web page. The article direct is http://members.aol.com/hitekrace/article.htm While you’re there, please visit the rest of our web site. Tom HI-TEK Racing/RUNNING AROUND CONNECTICUT

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Question:

Can anyone verify that the 30th place finisher; Julie Moss, Cardiff, CA,  2:59:17, at the New York City Marathon is the same person as the famed triathlete? Todd Kearney Swim, Bike, Run

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She told me she was going to do the New York Marathon and after a 3:16:xx at Los Angeles Marathon in March was getting down to more serious training. Time sounds just about right. Timothy Carlson

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